A PERSONALISED SOLUTION THAT IS HOLISTIC, DYNAMIC AND, ABOVE ALL, SUSTAINABLE
Leaving a legacy is a wonderful gift, but it is also a complex one that must be thought through carefully. To make sure that your needs, as well as the needs of your beneficiaries, are met, we combine our extensive experience with in-depth analysis to assess both your current financial picture and the one you hope to achieve. The result: a personalised solution that is holistic, dynamic and, above all, sustainable. This includes estate planning, the drafting of Wills, formation of trusts, estate administration services as well as providing offshore and cross border advice to clients who live in multiple jurisdictions.
ESTATE PLANNING AND WEALTH TRANSFER The first step in estate planning is to take a snapshot of how things currently stand, including personal circumstances such as shareholders’ agreements and business partners. Once a clear view has been established a plan is then formulated with input from our Wealth Management, Family Office and Tax Planning teams. It takes into consideration any costs that may become payable at death; establishes whether there is sufficient capital available at death to offset debts as well as Executors Fees, Capital Gains Tax and Estate Duty.
TRUSTS AND TRUSTEESHIP Depending on your unique needs, a trust can be a valuable tool in both tax and estate planning. They can be used for private individuals (a family trust) as well as for corporate business structures. Our significant experience in the duties and responsibilities of acting as a professional trustee means that we will always ensure that the proper care is taken in the management of the trust assets.
EXECUTORSHIPS AND DECEASED ESTATE ADMINISTRATION Executorships and deceased estate administration in South Africa are highly regulated. They require both a working knowledge of the laws as well as the operation of the Master of the High Court’s Offices. Our extensive experience in the wrapping up of estates and our comprehensive knowledge of tax, life assurance, the administrative process of the Master’s Office and SARS means that your estate is handled timeously and with the greatest care and professionalism at a time when your family needs it the most.
WILLS Wills and estate planning work hand in hand. Having a valid Will is essential to estate planning, just as knowing what your estate is worth is key to drafting a Will. It ensures that your estate is divested in the way you would like it to be. Over and above the accurate distribution of sentimental items among beneficiaries, a carefully drafted Will can also avoid cash flow challenges and save on Estate Duty and Income Tax – and most importantly, it can help avoid family conflict.
